What Are the Symptoms Of Pilonidal Cyst?

The common symptoms associated with a pilonidal cyst that becomes infected and causes an abscess formation include:

• Intense Pain, especially when the individual sits down.
• Skin Redness around the cyst
• Drainage of blood through an opening in the skin
• Drainage of pus through an opening in the skin
• Presence of a foul smell in the pus getting drained from the infected cyst

What Causes Pilonidal Cysts to Develop?

Even though a lot of research has been conducted on pilonidal cysts in recent years due to their growing incidence, the exact cause still remains unclear. Most of the pilonidal cysts seen in healthcare setups are due to an accidental entrapment of loose hair and dead skin that gets trapped under the skin’s surface. However, other factors which may also play a causative role in the development of pilonidal cysts including:

• Wearing tight clothes
• Excessive skin rubbing
• Prolonged periods of bicycling
• Sitting for long periods of time as seen in office workers
• Family history of Pilonidal Cyst

All the factors mentioned above are able to push the hair under the skin’s surface. The body responds by recognizing this embedded hair as a foreign element and forms a cyst around it.

What Are the Risk Factors For Pilonidal Cysts?

The factors which put an individual at a higher risk for the development of Pilonidal cysts include:

• Male gender
• Individuals in their 20s
• Individuals who are overweight and obese
• Individuals with unhealthy, sedentary lifestyles
• Individuals who are employed in professions that require them to sit for a long period of time
• Individuals with excessive body hair, particularly around their buttock region
• Individuals with stiff or coarse body hair

What Are the Possible Complications of Pilonidal Cyst?

Even though Pilonidal cysts are not considered a serious health condition, getting them removed or treated properly is still recommended when they become symptomatic or a source of discomfort for the individual. When the Pilonidal Cyst becomes infected, it leads to the formation of an abscess. If this remains untreated, a sinus tract eventually forms, through which pus is drained. This not only causes pain to the individual but is also associated with a foul smell and constant feeling of discomfort from the pus drainage.

How is Pilonidal Cyst Treated?

There are several ways to treat pilonidal cysts; however, the treatment method is selected based on the severity of the condition, the symptoms experienced by the patient, and their overall health status. These include:

• Drainage of the Pilonidal Cyst: This is conducted by making a small incision to the cysts, through which the pus is drained.
• Phenol Injections: Injections composed of phenol may be given to prevent and treat the presence of pilonidal cysts.
• Laser Therapy: Laser therapy may be used as a preventative approach to remove hair at risk of becoming ingrown and promote the formation of Pilonidal Cysts.
• Pilonidal Cyst Surgery: Surgery is recommended for individuals with chronic or severe cases of pilonidal cysts that more conservative approaches may not treat. The surgical procedure involves the removal of the entire cyst, after which the wound may be closed using stitches or left open by inserting medical gauze.